Preparing the European power grid for renewable energies

How could an optimal power grid in Europe look like? When considered in isolation, – i.e. in terms of a theoretical reconstruction – this question can be answered relatively easily. GENESYS2 is considering, however, how the existing power grid can be optimally expanded.

The project team consists of scientists from the Institute for Power Electronics and Electrical Drives (ISEA) and the Institute for Power Systems and Power Economics (IAEW) at RWTH-Aachen University. The researchers want to expand the previous GENESYS project (Genetic optimisation of a European energy supply system) with additional modules. With one module, for example, the focus is on expanding distribution grids. This enables distribution grid structures to be accurately depicted and thus conclusions to be drawn regarding the necessary expansions resulting from the increased use of renewable energy. In addition, the project partners are investigating various aspects in different scenarios: How much flexibility will be required with which degree of expansion for renewable energies? How can this requirement be met efficiently?

In the GENESYS2 project, the new software with defined boundary conditions is aimed at calculating how the power grid can be transformed optimally. When comparing the results, it is intended that development corridors with low costs shall be recognisable. This should ensure that a system that is as economic as possible is maintained until 2050. The software also enables conclusions to be drawn about the total economic costs of delays in developing individual technologies. For example, delays in increasing the grid capacity or the lack of availability of storage technologies shall be investigated. Different storage technologies shall be investigated more closely in regards to their system-relevant benefits and when competing with and complementing other options for increasing the flexibility.

The accumulated findings from the different scenarios shall also be investigated in terms of the economic costs and their impact on the climate.